WT's defensive coordinator applies at Incarnate Word

West Texas A&M defensive coordinator Colby Carthel has applied for the head coaching position at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

Carthel, son of WT head football coach Don Carthel, confirmed Friday his interest in the UIW job, which opened following the resignation of head coach Mike Santiago in October with three games left in the regular season.

The Cardinals, a member of the Lone Star Conference along with WT, went 11-18 under Santiago, who helped start the football program three seasons ago.

“People had encouraged me to apply for the job, so I sent some stuff in,” said Colby Carthel, who just completed his sixth season as the Buffs defensive coordinator. “I just wanted to look into it after some people encouraged me to apply.

“I think it is important to explore other opportunities. I’ve got a great job where I’m at, but you always want to look around and see what else is out there and weigh the pros and cons of every situation.”

WT finished the season 8-3 and defeated Central Missouri, 26-7, in the Kanza Bowl in November.

The Buffs defense had one of its best seasons in years, finishing first in the LSC in scoring defense (19.3 points a game), yards allowed per game (336.4) and passing yards allowed per game (216.3).

UIW plans on announcing its new head coach by Christmas weekend.

On a related matter, the UIW Board of Trustees voted Friday to begin the process of moving to Division I status, possibly joining the Southland Conference.